Major responsibilities of the executive director include directing the operations of 17 statewide offices, implementing commission policies, making recommendations to the commissioners about contested permitting and enforcement matters, and approving uncontested permit applications and registrations.

The deputy executive director serves as the chief operating officer to assist the executive director in the administration of the agency.

Six office clusters report to the executive director. Each office is headed by a deputy director. These deputies are responsible for administering our regulatory and administrative programs.

Take Care of Texas Program

Take Care of Texas is a statewide campaign that provides helpful information on Texas' successes in environmental protection and encourages all Texans to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. The program includes an interactive website at TakeCareOfTexas.org, radio and television public service announcements, free print publications to educate Texans of all ages, classroom resources, social-media sites, and more.

Agency Communications

The Agency Communications Division works to continuously improve and streamline the delivery of print and Web information to the public and within the agency. This division coordinates the agency response to all media inquiries, prepares and distributes agency news releases, and coordinates news conferences. The division also includes the agency library, and a publishing staff that coordinates, produces, and distributes regulatory and general informational materials, both print and Web.

Environmental Assistance

The Environmental Assistance Division (EAD) provides confidential compliance assistance on air, water, and waste regulations to small businesses and small local governments; works with regulated entities, industries, and manufacturers to implement pollution prevention, recycling, and innovative environmental programs; and educates the public and the regulated community on rules, TCEQ processes, and environmental issues. The EAD services include:

a confidential compliance assistance hot line (800-447-2827) for small businesses and local governments;

The EAD also implements the TCEQ’s Public Education Program. The program answers questions about pending TCEQ permits, explains the permitting process, helps the public learn of opportunities for public participation on permit applications, and staffs a toll-free hotline for the general public (800-687-4040). In addition, the Public Education Program distributes the TCEQ Customer Satisfaction Survey, which encourages customers’ feedback on their experiences with the agency. Every two years, the Public Education Program summarizes the most recent survey responses in a Report on Customer Service to the Legislative Budget Board.

Intergovernmental Relations

The Intergovernmental Relations Division (IGR) coordinates the agency response to congressional and state legislative inquiries and constituent issues, legislative initiatives, and interim committee studies affecting the agency. IGR also coordinates the agency’s testimony and participation during legislative sessions and ensures that the Legislature is informed of the TCEQ’s initiatives and activities. IGR serves as a clearinghouse for border-affairs information for the TCEQ and coordinates agency comments on national policy issues.